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Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weston & Sampson Engineers Inc

Lead Operator

Boston, MA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed Wastewater Operator with 5+ years of experience to support the operations and maintenance in and around the Cape Cod, MA area. What you'll do:

Inframark

Lead Operator

Brookshire, TX · On-site

JOB FUNCTION/ PURPOSE The Lead Operator is responsible for training and overseeing the daily activities of Operators and solving complex operations problems and performing maintenance/operations ...

Magna

Lead Operator

Muncie, IN

Knowledge of basic operating machinery * Practice world class safety practices, every day. * Participate in monthly safety talks with production departments or as required. * Participate in quality ...

Inframark

Lead Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

JOB FUNCTION/ PURPOSE The Lead Operator is responsible for training and overseeing the daily activities of Operators and solving complex operations problems and performing maintenance/operations ...

Compana Pet Brands

Warehouse Lead Operator

Richardson, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Warehouse Lead Operator ID: 1844 Location: Richardson, TX Department: Warehouse 100001 More about this job > Description Title: Warehouse Lead Operator Location: Richardson, TX Shift/Hours: Mon -Tues ...

Becton Dickinson

Lead Operator

Mannford, OK

Education and Experience Required: * 1-3 years Operator 3, Lead or equivalent experience * High School Diploma or GED * Must be able to comprehend and effectively communicate written and verbal ...

Iff

Lead Operator

Memphis, TN

As an Inventory Lead, you are responsible for monitoring and controlling the raw materials and ... operating procedures (SOPs) related to inventory and warehouse activities Investigating stock ...

Smith & Nephew

Lead Operator

Maple Plain, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

The Lead Operator is a hands-on production lead who safely operates and supports manufacturing/assembly processes while coordinating day-to-day workflow for operators. This role prioritizes patient ...

Novolex

Lead Operator

Lebanon, TN

$22.50/hr

The Lead assists the Production Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor in all manufacturing processes and procedures. Works in collaboration with employees, and management team to enforce safety and ...

Novolex

Lead Operator

Roanoke, TX

$20 - $28/hr

This position has multiple levels with advancement based on demonstrated Operator knowledge and ... Must lead by example by modeling fairness, consistency, and a high level of performance coupled ...

Becton Dickinson

Lead Operator

Mannford, OK · On-site

Education and Experience Required: * 1-3 years Operator 3, Lead or equivalent experience * High School Diploma or GED * Must be able to comprehend and effectively communicate written and verbal ...

City of Clermont, FL

Lead Operator

Clermont, FL · On-site

$57K - $73K/yr

Valid Florida Class "C" Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license. * Obtain a Florida Class "B" Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license within two (2) years of hire. * Possess ...

Primient

Lead Operator, Fowler

Fowler, IN · On-site

$25/hr

Lead Operator, Fowler | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based ...

Weston & Sampson

$35 - $45/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed Wastewater Operator with 5+ years of experience to support the operations and maintenance in and around the Cape Cod, MA area. What you'll do:

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Lead Operator information

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How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Operator, you need strong technical expertise in machine operation, process control, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often supported by relevant industry certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with manufacturing software systems, SCADA, and maintenance management tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate teams and manage production challenges efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and motivating teams to meet production targets.

What is the difference between Lead Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectLead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often some technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be required
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees operations, ensures safetyOperates machinery, follows operational procedures
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing plantsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production facilities

The main difference between a Lead Operator and a Machine Operator is that the Lead Operator typically supervises and coordinates the work of Machine Operators, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Machine Operators focus on operating specific machinery. Lead Operators often have additional responsibilities such as training team members and troubleshooting issues, making their role more supervisory within the same work environment.

What are Lead Operators?

Lead Operators are experienced professionals who oversee the daily operations of a team or process within a manufacturing plant, industrial site, or similar setting. They are responsible for ensuring production runs smoothly, maintaining safety standards, and providing guidance to other operators. In addition to monitoring equipment and processes, Lead Operators often train new employees, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with management about production goals and challenges. Their leadership helps ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in the workplace.

How does a Lead Operator typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth production processes?

Lead Operators play a crucial role in cross-departmental collaboration by coordinating with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to address production issues promptly and maintain workflow efficiency. They often facilitate communication between operators and management, relay production targets, and help resolve bottlenecks. Regular meetings and shift handovers are common practices to keep all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.
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Lead Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Lead Operator

Lead Operator

Rapid Resource Recruiters

Richmond, IN

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Job Description

To operate Cardline that produce fiber products in a safe and efficient manner following standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be physically, mentally, and educationally capable of performing assigned duties of

the position, in a safe and efficient manner demonstrating a working knowledge of the

Production process and skill in troubleshooting the equipment on the line.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS


Must be able to work within the Safety guidelines established for the plant and this line.

Must direct the team in a manner that meets all Plant Established Metrics.

Must follow all process control systems established for the line.

Must demonstrate the mechanical ability to direct the team's Preventative Maintenance duties.

Must have an understanding of the Quality systems and direct team to meet our Customer's expectations.

Will work the required hours of the line including overtime hours

Responsible for other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.




ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS


Must be trained on the Hopper systems for this line.

Must be trained on the Wind-up and packaging systems for this line


RELATIONSHIPS


Communicate and work cooperatively with Operation, Maintenance and Quality. 


SUPERVISION


 Works under the general supervision of the Production Supervisor.


SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED


 1. Reading, writing, and arithmetic.

 2. Strong written and oral communication skills.

 3. General working knowledge of computer and Microsoft Excel software.


EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION/LICENSE REQUIRED


 Minimum - High School Diploma and/or three (3) to five (5) years related work experience operating manufacturing equipment.


WORKING CONDITIONS:



Degree of Physical Demands (Strength) usually associated with this classification:


Moderate to light work: Exerting up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force infrequently and exerting ten (10) to fifteen (15) pounds of force frequently. 


Environmental Conditions (Physical Surroundings) usually associated with this classification:


Incumbent is exposed to Manufacturing Plant conditions and infrequent exposure to loud noise(s).


Environmental Conditions (Hazards) usually associated with this classification: 


Infrequent exposure to Hi-Lo traffic.



Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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